We swear this isn't an ironic listening. We love Beyoncé and 4. OK, we might unironically skip straight to track 5, 'Party', produced by Kanye West and with rap by Andre3000, because we ain't no stay-home-mums that need all those ballads about being broken hearted and finding the right person. But, after that, the album turns into a beautiful compilation of classic r'n'b, soul and a bit of sweat-inducing booty tracks - not too many though - that sound surprisingly courageous considering the actual state of pop music. And for that, we bow down and hail Queen B. P.S. Get the deluxe version, for those extra couple of amazing tracks.

The name of this label has been interpreted in many ways; from 'bass-seekey' to 'base-ike', but the correct way describes exactly what this label is about: BASIC. Bassike delivers easily breezily cut staples with an interesting little twist that keeps them from being your run of the mill. For those that live in climates like that of Australia (where Bassike hails from) or Brazil, you'll know how easy it is to make fashion faux pas when the weather gets hot and the prospect of wearing anything but a bathing suit becomes slightly unappealing; Bassike is all and everything you need.

Before watching HBO's Game of Thrones, I assumed the series would tend a bit more towards the blood-dripping Danish movie Valhalla Rising rather than fairy-tale stories a lá 'Lord of the Rings'; and for that I didn't really like the series at the beginning. But slowly, I found myself submitting to tales of bad kings, midget juggernauts, savage warriors and... dragons. And that happened probably because there aren't exactly good guys and bad guys here, like there are in Tolkien stories - and that is, of course, a simplification of his work. Another reason I relented to this series is because of the intriguing political backstage element that leads to the ever-happening dance of thrones. Oh, and did I mention the gratuitous nekkid-ness?

Of the slew of new spots having opened up in Sydney in the last six months, The Norfolk on Cleveland St in Surry Hills has been one fated with success. Owned by some of the same kids that have brought The Flinders back to life (and currently, it's incredibly quick onset of 'The Norms'), you'll undoubtedly find The Norfolk rammed with all kinds, vying for a bite, a beer and a spot in the garden out back. The aim of the game is to cultivate Aussie pub culture at it's best; and it's doing a pretty decent job so far - if only you could get a table!

Super Sad True Love Story is the third book from the writer of the best selling Absurdistan, Gary Shteyngart. Incidentally, I read him name dropped in Flavorpill's Ultimate Hipster Reading list and in the same sentence as James Franco (they're buds, apaprently) just before I finished his latest offering. Don't let any of that put you off, or take away any of the sad scary brilliance of Super Sad True Love Story; written from the perspective of one 39 year old Lenny Abramov, son of Russian immigrants and in love with the impossibly cute and cruel Eunice Park. A satire that cuts to the bone, Super Sad True Love Story is exactly it's title. And it's good.

Oh Cubic Zirconia. You of the synthetically made, optically flawless, generally colourless gem variety. A diamond wanna-be. The kind of stone you might find on late night informercials hosted by ham fisted cows harking their replicate wares. But not on this watch:

I'm talking about Cubic Zirconia of the NYC variety; made from Nick Hook, Tiombe Lockhart and Daud Sturdivant. They aren't cheesy or chintzy like their namesake. They're flawlessly imperfect and vibe a bohemian kind of grunty, sexy glam that can often be tacky, but in this case is some serious fun.

Self described as ethnic disco, cosmic R&B and future soul, from what I can glean, Cubic Zirconia have done some rounds on the NY circuit for a couple of years to no huge break; but with their LP Follow Your Heart that might just begin to change. The album was released yesterday and you can go get it via digital download HERE. Physically, it's due out November 29th via Fool's Gold Recs.

'Take Me High' and is like Bumblebee Unlimited, Jessica 6 and Ebony Bones (whatever happened to
her?) had a party, got naked and did a group number - but Cubic Zirconia
has more careless abandon than all of them, look (the video is also directed by lead singer Tiombe. Work it out, girl):

Take Me High by Cubic Zirconia

This is some FUN and EXCITING SHIT. Get into it like, HERE. If you still wanna try before you buy, check it: to throw in some more cred, Hugson Mohawke has put together a megamix of some tracks from Follow Your Heart. Forget your heart, follow your ears, y'all: